HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 1036

Eli and David’s relationship slowly began to enter a more serious stage. Eli was becoming accustomed to having the man in her daily life. She began to recognize David’s habits, knew what food he liked, knew when he was tired after practice, and even knew when David simply needed someone to listen to his complaints.

Without realizing it, Eli’s feelings were also growing deeper. She no longer saw their relationship as merely a college romance. Sometimes, when they walked together after practice, Eli began imagining simple things about their future. Maybe they could stay together after graduation.

Maybe David would remain a part of her life. Those thoughts felt pleasant while also making Eli embarrassed with herself because she was beginning to hope too far ahead.

However, the more serious Eli’s feelings became, the more often she felt that their time together was not always a priority for David.

One weekend, David had promised to pick Eli up after class. They were even planning to have dinner together before Eli returned to the dormitory. Eli had finished all her assignments early so that nothing would interfere with their plans. She had even smiled to herself when she saw David’s message a few hours earlier.

Don’t go anywhere. I’ll pick you up.

However, as the promised time drew closer, a message came in.

Sweetheart, I can’t come.

Eli stared at her phone screen for a few seconds.

Why?

David’s reply came not long after.

Natalie isn’t doing well. I have to see her.

Eli’s smile slowly disappeared.

She did not want to be angry. She had even heard Natalie’s name far too often over the past few weeks. However, this time, the disappointment felt heavier because she had genuinely been waiting for him.

All right.

That was all Eli finally sent.

A few minutes later, David called. "Don’t be mad, okay?"

"I’m not disappointed."

"But you sound angry, sweetheart."

Eli lowered her head. "I just ... was waiting for you."

"I know." David sighed on the other end. "But I can’t just leave Natalie like that."

Eli fell silent.

"I told you, didn’t I? She’s going through a lot."

"Yes."

"So please understand." David’s voice did not sound angry. Instead, he sounded like someone asking for understanding. That made it even harder for Eli to hold on to her irritation.

"All right," Eli finally replied. "I understand."

"I'm not going to take David away from you," Eli said softly.

Natalie raised her face. "Really?"

Eli smiled faintly. "You've been friends since childhood. I could never ask David to distance himself from you just because I'm his girlfriend."

Natalie looked relieved. "Thank you, Eli."

Eli nodded. She even felt a little proud of herself for being able to act maturely. She wanted to be a girlfriend who understood David's situation, not someone who made him choose between her and his best friend.

From then on, Eli began giving in more often.

If David canceled dinner because Natalie needed help, Eli said it was okay. If their plans changed because there was something to do with David's friends, Eli tried to understand. Even when David arrived late after making her wait, Eli no longer asked many questions.

"I'm not mad," she said whenever David apologized.

And David began to get used to hearing that answer.

At first, he felt lucky to have a girlfriend like Eli. She did not demand much, did not make an issue of his busy schedule, and always tried to understand the situation.

However, without Eli realizing it, something began to change on David's side. He began to take Eli's understanding for granted.

If Eli was disappointed, David knew a few simple words would calm her down. If Eli asked questions, David only needed to give her a reason. And if Natalie needed him, David no longer felt he had to think for long before leaving Eli.